Bulldog K1679 near Hatfield Woodhouse.
On Friday, 13th May 1932 this 23 Squadron aeroplane was being flown from Kenley north when the pilot became lost over the Doncaster area. A newspaper report located stated that the destination was Thornaby but whether this was the final destination or a refuelling point is not known. The pilot made a forced landing in a field in the Bearswood Green area, just north of Hatfield Woodhouse, but the aeroplane overturned and then caught fire. A mechanic working at a garage ran to the crash site and pulled the pilot clear. A passing policeman put out the fire, which appears to have been limited to the engine area.
Pilot - Sgt Roy Nelson RAF.
The pilot may have been the same Roy Nelson who later served with 41 Squadron.
Bulldog K1679 was built to contract 35537/30 by the Bristol Aeroplane Company Ltd. at Filton and was flown to Kenley on 27th March 1931. The aircraft was taken on charge by Fighting Area for 23 Squadron on 23rd April 1931. As a result of the mishap on 13th May 1932 near Hatfield Woodhouse repairable Cat.R/FA damage was the initial assesment on site but it was then transported by road to Inland Area, Henlow for further assessment on 23rd May 1932 and was then struck off charge on 4th July 1932.